Manitoba eyes redesign of child care, early learning system

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The Manitoba government is creating a commission that will explore ways to "redesign" the province's child-care system, including options for providing universally accessible care and early learning opportunities.

The commission will look at the the current child-care system "to offer advice and options that will help the Manitoba government further develop high-quality, affordable child care," Family Services Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross announced Tuesday.

"Our long-term economic future looks bright but we must ensure that every parent has an equal opportunity to participate in the workplace and we must provide every child with the best start to succeed," Irvin-Ross said in a news release.

"Manitobans have told us very clearly that high-quality early learning and child-care services are essential for helping many families and children achieve those goals."

The Manitoba Child Care Association says the commission will help the province respond to the needs of modern families.

A lead commissioner will be selected in the coming weeks, Irvin-Ross said.